Eel Sauce

Name: Eel Sauce
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 3/4 cup
Cuisine: japanese
Ingredients: 1/2 cup soy sauce; 1/2 cup mirin; 1/3 cup granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons sake (optional)

By Naz Deravian

Published Feb. 23, 2024

Total Time: 20 minutes
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Rating: 3(10)
Comments: Read comments

Unagi no tare, or Japanese eel sauce, is a salty-sweet combination of soy sauce, mirin, sugar and sake that is typically brushed over grilled eel and eel sushi. It’s similar to teriyaki sauce, but sweeter, and can be thickened to your liking. Besides using it as a glaze, try eel sauce as a marinade or dipping sauce for any number of dishes, such as chicken, fish, eggplant, mushrooms or tofu. Or, drizzle over rice, noodles or stir-fries.

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Ingredients

Yield:¾ cup

½cup soy sauce
½cup mirin
⅓cup granulated sugar
2tablespoons sake (optional)

Ingredient Substitution Guide

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Preparation

Step 1
In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, mirin, sugar and sake (if using) and bring to a boil over medium-high, stirring until the sugar dissolves, 2 to 3 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and a layer of caramel-colored foam appears on the surface, 12 to 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and allow the sauce to cool to room temperature before using. (The sauce will continue to thicken as it sits.)
Step 2
Once cooled, transfer the sauce to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Stir to mix before using.